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Gay Tax - Not Such Happy Returns, Says TaxMama, Los Angeles Tax Expert

Los Angeles (PRWeb) February 28, 2007 -- Eva Rosenberg, a Los Angeles Enrolled Agent, known as the Internet's TaxMama (www.taxtwist.com) is putting out an urgent alert to same-sex couples. Don't let the romance of finally being able to marry or register as domestic partners blind you to the tax and legal quicksand you're about to get sucked into.

February has been an active month for prime-time television to showcase gays and same-sex couples. For instance:

February 26, 2007 - Ellen Degeneres Hosts Emmy Awards. Degeneres on Barbara Walters, with visit to home with partner Portia de Rossi.

February 26, 2007 - Melissa Etheridge wins Emmy, thanks wife.

February 6, 2007 - Henry Gibson diagnosed with SSAD, Same Sex Attraction Disorder. Sues religious rehab center for failing to cure him,

Actually, that was Gibson's Boston Legal character, Judge Clark Brown. In the course of the trial and closing argument, and final balcony scene with William Shatner, James Spader's character touches on most of the issues that affect same sex couples. Except one. The writers never discussed the tax implications same sex marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships. And, oh, they are fraught with danger - and expense.

California's Domestic Partnership laws came of age this year. The largest population of gay couples in the country gains access to some sort of matrimonial recognition. According to the year 2000 census data, as analyzed by GayDemographics.org, there are over a million members of same-sex couples in the United States (that were willing to so state in the official Census forms). Over 21% live in states that presently have civil union, marriage or domestic partnership laws on the books.

On May 16, 2004, Massachusetts became the only state with legal, same-sex marriage. A same-sex couple files a joint tax return in MA, just as any heterosexual couple would. Attorney Shari Levitan, a partner in Holland & Knight's Boston office tells us, the complication arises when it's time to prepare the IRS tax return. The Federal government doesn't recognize same-sex couples, so they must each file as single.

Seems simple enough, doesn't it? Think again.

This week's TaxTwist.com (www.taxtwist.com) features tax preparation and estate planning alerts for same-sex couples.

Couples considering registering their relationship as a domestic partnership, or if thinking of getting married to perfect a relationship, will find in-depth information and answers at TaxMama.com (www.taxtwist.com). The outline of potential problems affecting same-sex couples provides a solid basis for discussion with a tax professional and attorney before taking that step.

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